We’ve discussed this one before, but I read an article recently (https://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/DamonReece/20171010/307273/OpenWorld_RPGs_and_the_Hinterlands_Problem.php) which talked about this issue, so I think it’s definitely worth revisiting. Open World Gaming can be really fun- it front-loads the work onto the GM (which means you can work on it while you’re playing a different game), but after that, it’s all just keeping track of what’s happening, without having to drive the plot so much. However, it can cause an issue when there’s no direction, and your players aren’t taking interest in the side-quests or exploration you’ve got set out for them. If every session is your PCs causing trouble in town by pranking the guard captain, instead of exploring the fabulous demon-ravaged jungles of M’Quor, how do you resolve that? One option is just to reframe your game. Your PCs want to be playing Hogan’s Heroes, not Game of Thrones? Go with it. As GM, you’re a player too, and your fun is important. Struggling against the other players, likely your friends, can be really un-fun. Alternately, remind them that you’re a player too, and you’d like to be having fun. Wrap up the guard captain storyline, and motivate them to get out of town and explore your jungles! Make it meaningful to their *characters* to find out what’s going on. You can also throw some railroads in, if they’re waiting for a prompt. This is often an issue for players who haven’t had free-form or open-world games before, and are used to Adventure Paths which hold their hands and walk them to the cutscenes. Giving a little more guidance here can make your job a lot easier. Most importantly, call back to your Session Zero- establish that everyone understands the “mission statement” for this campaign, and what it’ll involve. If it’s likely to involve lots of outdoors exploration, make sure that they build characters which will fit, so that they’re not feeling useless with a social Rogue or a diplomacy Bard. But also, try to give those characters a chance to shine- have some social encounters on the road, whether with Orc tribes or a group of explorers, where diplomacy can be useful. Don’t be afraid to adapt your plan- you already adapted it from “nothing” to “where it is now”. If you don’t budge any further, it’s likely no-one will end up having fun. (Originally posted on Game Masters Stash on 29 July 2018) Categories All Comments are closed.
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AuthorI'm Luke. He/him pronouns. Archives
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